OR XL P1 #107: Report of Captain John E. Burton, 11th NY Btty, June 12-August 1, 1864

Numbers 107. Report of Captain John E. Burton, Eleventh New York Battery.¹

CAMP ELEVENTH NEW YORK BATTERY, Near Petersburg, Va., September 2, 1864.

SIR: *

FIFTH EPOCH.

June 12, I reported to General Barlow, commanding First Division. Hauled out of our position about 9 p. m. Marched all night and until 5 p. m. of the 13th with that division. Took up position on the James River near Wilcox’s Landing. June 15, crossed the river about 10 a. m. on transports. Marched with General Barlow’s division to near Petersburg, Va., where I came into position on the morning of the 16th between Battery A, First Rhode Island, and K, Fourth United States. Were engaged during the day and part of the night. On the morning of the 17th I was moved to the right and took up position near First Division headquarters and on the left of Lieutenant Dwight, and was engaged several times during the day and night with the enemy’s batteries, one of which was forced to retire in some haste. At this place

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*For portion of report (here omitted) covering operations from May 4 to June 12, 1864, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, p. 529.

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a case-shot struck one of my carriages and exploded, but did no more damage than bruising one of the cheeks. The 18th, 19th, and 20th everything was quiet. June 21, I moved with the First Division to the left and parked near the Jones house about 6 p. m., remaining there until the night of the 22d, when, after putting up works on the right of the Jerusalem plank road, got my guns in position and limbers sunk before daylight of the 23d. On the 23rd a column of infantry was seen passing in rear of the enemy’s batteries. Captains Dow, Ricketts, and myself opened with excellent effect, in some places scattering the column. On the 24th the enemy opened with their artillery on a column of our infantry which was passing in rear of the battery and in plain view of their guns. We succeeded in silencing these guns after an engagement of above an hour. Was relieved that night by Battery L, First New York, and were in camp from that time to July 26, when we moved to the James River. Being in reserve did not cross the river, but having reported to Brigadier-General Mott, commanding Third Division, on the night of the 28th marched back to near Petersburg and went in camp August 1.

During the marches and engagements of this campaign both officers and men have behaved well. With but one exception not a man has straggled on any of the marches, and every man has always been at his post in every engagement.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN E. BURTON,

Captain Eleventh New York Battery.

Lieutenant U. D. EDDY,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

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